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'We have to look at a different model to reimburse CEOs.' - Premier Ed Stelmach.
Edmonton (14 July 2010) - Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach has ordered a review of bonuses given to Alberta Health Services (AHS) executives, including almost $77,000 in extra money to AHS president and CEO Stephen Duckett.
AHS paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonuses last year despite running a deficit of $885 million. Executives also failed to meet performance targets.
Stelmach told reporters he's asked his health minister to carry out the review.
"It's a time where we have to look at a different model to reimburse CEOs, especially of public authorities. The traditional model was throwing a bonus back at the end of the year and a measure of performance," the premier said.
Duckett received $76,619 in bonus pay despite achieving only half of his performance targets, according to 2009-10 financial statements released by AHS last week. All told, Duckett took home $744,000 in salary, benefits and bonuses.
Duckett was recently criticized by the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE) for talking publicly about the possibility of a wage freeze for health care workers instead of dealing with compensation and other outstanding issues at the bargaining table.
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More information:
'Wage freeze' talk damaging to Alberta bargaining